Eynsford Tree of the Year 2021

We finally have the news you have all been waiting for... the decision on Eynsford's Tree of the Year!

Thanks to our Tree Wardens, we have two winning trees for the price of one.

The People's Choice winner is: the Silver Birch (Betula Utilis Jacquemontii 'Doorenbos') outside Lullingstone Roman Villa.

Photo: Jacky Smith

This large multi-stemmed birch is beautiful at all times of the year and was nominated by a number of residents.

We don't have any information about when and why it was planted, so if anyone can tell us, please get in touch.

The Tree Warden's Choice winner is: the group of mature Willow trees (Salix Babylonica) on Common Meadow.

Photo: Amanda Gilbert

The Tree Wardens chose them for the following reasons:

• The trees are native to the UK.
• Eynsford is based around the river, and the willows play an important part in being close to water.
• The willows are/ were used for cricket bats, therefore appropriate trees for a cricket ground.
• The cluster of trees can easily be accessed and viewed from the surrounding hillsides.
• They are great for shade in the public area.

The Parish Council is planning some significant pruning work to these willows to help to keep them healthy for many more years, so they may look a little unsightly for a time. We are also planning to plant some new willows which will eventually replace the older ones.